Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Heraklion

Η Heraklion is the southernmost island of the Small Cyclades with an area of ​​18 sq.km. and is located south of Naxos, two and a half nautical miles from the southern capes of Gaitani and Katomeri. Heraklion has about 150 inhabitants and consists of two settlements: Panagia or Chora and Agios Georgios, where the port of the island is located. The island in summer is offered for peace and relaxation. It does not have a lively nightlife, but guests can enjoy quiet walks or diving and admire its rich seabed.

Its most important event is festival of Saint John the Baptist done on August 29, in a cave with stalactites and stalagmites and that, to enter, you have to go through a hole crawling. The route to the cave is about two hours from a path that at one point, in the middle of the route and at the highest point, offers a unique view of the surrounding Cyclades. At the end of the hike you meet a cave with a spacious entrance called Cave of the Cyclops. According to tradition, it was the residence of the mythical Cyclops. Legend has it that from the rocks that Polyphemus flew to Odysseus, the two rocky islets of Heraklion were created, known as Avelonisia. Next to it is the entrance of the cave. Sometimes crawling and sometimes crawling, one travels six meters to reach the large hall of the cave. The spectacle is spectacular: stalactite formations from top to bottom in incredible shapes and sizes.

On the day of operation Dozens of children climb the stalagmites, placing hundreds of candles, which create unique light pours, revealing the unique colors of the rocks.

During the service, the priest and the faithful stand around a small sanctuary and begin with intense emotion the psalms that praise the Saint.

In the evening in Chora there will be a festival with instruments coming from the surrounding islands and the faithful will party until the morning.